Homeless Garden Project
We're excited to announce an incredible leadership role at Homeless Garden Project--Director of Operations. The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) provides transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. Integrated with the employment programs, HGP operates a dynamic community education and volunteer program that serves more than 1500 people each year. All programs take place in our 3.5 acre organic farm and in related enterprises, including a CSA program, retail farm stand, two brick and mortar stores selling more than 50 "Value-added Products" made in our program, online store and wholesale accounts. The Homeless Garden Project is looking for a strategic, collaborative, hands-on leader to drive impact across our programs in Santa Cruz. In this role, you’ll lead a cross-functional team spanning: • Farm Operations • Social Enterprise • Volunteer & Community Education This is a unique operations role—it’s a chance to bring systems, people, and mission together to create real pathways out of homelessness. We’re looking for someone who: -Thinks strategically and executes well -Leads with collaboration and accountability -Is solution-oriented -Thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment If you’re ready to help grow an organization where community, sustainability, and transformation intersect, we want to hear from you. Learn more and apply: https://homelessgardenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Director-of-Operations-Job-Description-May-2026.pdf
● 5–8 years of operations management experience, ideally in a complex or mission-driven environment ● Demonstrated success managing large-scale or multi-million-dollar projects ● Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills ● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to diverse audiences ● Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience) ● Experience in the nonprofit sector is strongly preferred
The compensation package includes: ● Competitive salary, commensurate with experience ● Annual salary range: $79,000-85,000 ● Health insurance, with access to dental and vision coverage ● Generous vacation and sick leave ● Access to a voluntary 401(k) retirement plan ● Professional development opportunities ● Meaningful work in a mission-driven organization
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director, darrieg@homelessgardenproject.org. The Homeless Garden Project envisions a thriving and inclusive community, workforce and local food system. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to our mission.